A video downloader is a tool, like a photocopier. Whether its use is allowed depends on what you copy and what you do with the copy. This article is no legal advice, and laws differ from country to country. It gives you the questions to ask before you download an online video.
Two sets of rules
Copyright law protects the people who made a video. As a rule, nobody may copy or publish their work without permission. Most countries allow exceptions, for example a copy for private use, quoting for criticism, or use in teaching.
The terms of the platform are a contract between you and the site. YouTube, for example, allows downloading only through its own buttons. Breaking the terms is not a crime, but the platform may close an account for it.
What is usually fine
- Your own videos. You lost the original file? Download your upload again.
- Videos with a free licence. Creative Commons and public domain works may be copied; look at the description of the video for the licence and its conditions.
- Videos whose owner allows it, in writing or with a download offer.
- A private copy to watch later, where the law of your country allows one.
What gets people into trouble
- Uploading somebody else's video to your own channel or page.
- Using music or film clips in your own videos without a licence.
- Selling copies or putting them behind a paywall.
- Removing a watermark or a name to hide where a video comes from.
The simple test: would the creator be happy to see what you do with the video? If you doubt it, ask first.
Where to find videos you may use
The Internet Archive and Wikimedia Commons hold millions of films and clips with free licences. Many creators also mark their uploads as Creative Commons. On such sources, downloading is not only allowed, it is the purpose.
How AIOVideoDL handles copyright
AIOVideoDL stores no videos. It reads a public page for you and passes the file on. Owners who do not want their content to be reachable can ask for a link to be blocked through the DMCA page.
Frequently asked questions
Can I get into trouble for downloading a video for myself?
In many countries a private copy is tolerated or allowed, but not everywhere. Publishing or sharing the copy is what leads to complaints in practice.
Am I allowed to use a downloaded clip in my own video?
Only with permission or a fitting licence. Short quotes may be allowed for criticism or news in some countries.
What does Creative Commons mean?
It is a family of licences with which creators allow everybody to copy their work under conditions, such as naming the author.
